My dog has kennel cough, still congested after 3 weeks. What next?

Hi there. I'm sorry Max isn't feeling well. Dogs can cough for many reasons. Of course, kennel cough is a common reason, but in an older small breed dog such as Max I also worry about heart disease. I would really encourage you to take him to a veterinarian. If they agree that it is kennel cough they can write you a prescription for something more potent than robitussin. Sometimes kennel cough can lead to a secondary infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. If this is the case they will also likely want him on antibiotics. Good luck to Max! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I'm so sorry Ollie is having this problem. It sounds like Ollie needs to go back for a recheck examination and possibly some x-rays of his lungs. Sometimes kennel cough can progress into pneumonia and will need different treatment, so I would recommend having your veterinarian evaluate him again. In the meantime, you can take him into the bathroom with you when you shower for 5-10 minutes because the humidity should help loosen things in his lungs and make him feel a little bettter. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It's possible that the inflammation in the airways just has not completely resolved, and the pred was helping to decrease that inflammation. If he's still eating and drinking, and he's active and happy, I wouldn't be too concerned yet. Give it another 5 days or so, if the cough is still persisting, followup with your vet. If his breathing is labored at all, or if he seems depressed or has a decreased appetite, please followup with your vet. As for being contagious, he may still be. I would wait at least another week before having him around other dogs. Here some more information you may find helpful. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/kennel-cough/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious! There are many reasons for coughing: kennel cough, allergies, pneumonia, heart failure or cancer. Since it has only been a few days it is ok to give her more time. Kennel cough takes 2 weeks to resolve. If the cough worsens or hasn’t resolved in 2 weeks then I recommend a recheck and chest X-rays. I wish you the best!

Hi and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach this afternoon! I am sorry to hear Eleanor still has a cough. If her cough has not gotten better but worse and she has green mucous draining from her nose, she likely still has an upper respiratory infection and should be seen and treated at your local veterinary clinic. Another (likely longer) round of perhaps a different antibiotic may be prescribed. Your vet may test for distemper and/or do chest x-rays to check for pneumonia. I hope this has helped answer your question and I hope you are able to bring her into her vet's office soon. Best to you and Eleanor!

I'm sorry Hennessey is so sick. There are many potential pathogens or problems that could cause chronic discharge and cough. Be sure that you have been giving medications or treatments as directed, and do not stop any antibiotic therapy early as this could cause resistance. But If she is not responsive to current therapies, further diagnostic testing may be necessary. In some cases radiographs of the head and chest may be helpful, or sending out bloodwork or tissue swabs to a lab to try to determine what pathogen's may be causing her illness. In some cases if her primary veterinarian is unable to dart term and the cause of her illness, it may be worth discussing referral to a specialty clinic or veterinary school for an internal medicine consult. Good luck, I hope you get some answers soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Hello, sorry to hear about Behr. It does indeed sound like this could be different and I would be concerned that he could have pneumonia or bronchitis. Sharpei dogs do not typically get brachycephalic airway disease but may still develop some form of it. Behr should have chest x-rays to ensure he does not have pneumonia or bronchitis before pursuing something such as a sedated oral exam. Hope this helps and best of luck.